Abdullah bin Rawahah:
Abdullah bin Rawahah, one of the most prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad, left an indelible mark as a Badr companion, a skilled poet, and a military leader. He gained wide fame as one of the twelve distinguished leaders of the Ansar and actively participated in the Prophet's campaigns and defended him vigorously with his poetic eloquence.
Early life and commitment to Islam:
Abdullah bin Rawahah's journey as a companion of the Prophet began in the Battle of Badr, demonstrating his early devotion to Islam. Not only did he fight on the front lines, but he also possessed the power of the word as one of the poets who used his poetry to defend and glorify the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad.
Poetic Defense of the Prophet Muhammad:
In addition to his prowess on the battlefield, Abdullah bin Rawahah was famous for his poetic skills. He used his verses to defend the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, eloquently and to express the lofty principles of Islam. His poetic contributions played a crucial role in promoting a sense of unity among the early Islamic community.
Martyrdom in the Battle of Mu'tah:
Abdullah bin Rawahah's bravery and courage reached its peak in the Battle of Mu'tah in the year eight AH. This decisive battle witnessed his leadership of Muslim forces against the Byzantines and their Ghassanid allies. In the midst of the violent conflict, Abdullah bin Rawahah fought valiantly, ultimately sacrificing his life for the cause of Islam. His martyrdom occurred on the battlefield, marking a moment of great loss for the Islamic community.
His biography:
Abdullah bin Rawahah belongs to the Banu Al-Harith, a sub-tribe of the Azd clan within the Banu Tha’labah bin Amr bin Imru’ Al-Qais bin Amr bin Malik Al-Aghar. His mother was Kabsa bint Waqid bin Amr bin Al-Atanaba bin Amr bin Zaid Manah bin Malik Al-Aghar, and she was also from the Banu Al-Harith. He is called Abu Amr, Abu Muhammad, or Abu Rawaha, and he is the maternal uncle of Al-Numan bin Bashir, and the brother of Abu Al-Darda’ on his mother’s side.
Abdullah bin Rawahah had converted to Islam early, and he was one of the Ansar who pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad in the Pledge of Aqaba. He actively participated in various battles, including the Battle of Badr, and played a crucial role in conveying messages and news to different tribes on behalf of the Prophet.
His poetic talent was noticeable, and alongside poets such as Hassan bin Thabit and Kaab bin Malik, he responded eloquently to those who spoke against the Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic nation through poetry.
Roles and tasks:
Abdullah bin Rawahah assumed various responsibilities at the request of the Prophet Muhammad. He led a squad of thirty men to confront Aser ibn Razam, the Jewish opponent in the Battle of Khaybar, where he fought valiantly and succeeded in eliminating the threat. The Prophet also entrusted him with the delicate task of estimating zakat (charitable donations) from palm trees and crops in Khaybar.
Abdullah bin Rawahah, known for his skill in writing, was one of the few in Yathrib (Medina) who excelled in this art. His eloquence extended to the battlefield, where he demonstrated courage and leadership.
Leadership in the Battle of Mu'tah:
Abdullah bin Rawahah played a pivotal role in the Battle of Mu'tah, leading Muslim forces against a formidable coalition of Romans and their Ghassanid allies. With the successive fall of Muslim leaders, command eventually passed to Abdullah bin Rawahah. Despite the enormous difficulties he faced, he fought bravely and encouraged the Muslim soldiers to persevere. His bravery inspired the troops, but tragically, he was mortally wounded and died on the battlefield.
Hadith narrations:
Abdullah bin Rawaha played a major role in transmitting the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace). He was a reliable narrator, transmitting the hadiths of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, with accuracy and authenticity.
Hadiths from:
1. Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace)
2. Bilal bin Rabah
Hadiths narrated by Abdullah bin Rawahah:
1 - Anas bin Malik
2. His nephew, Al-Numan bin Bashir
3. Abdullah bin Abbas
4. Osama bin Zaid
5. Abu Hurairah
6. Zaid bin Aslam
7. Ataa bin Yasar
Recognition of hadith scholars:
The reliability of Abdullah bin Rawahah as a narrator is attested by leading hadith scholars. His narrations are found in the writings of famous companions such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Nasa’i, and Muhammad ibn Majah. Abu Dawud narrated his hadiths in his book “Al-Nasikh wal-Mansukh”.
authenticity:
The hadiths of Abdullah bin Rawahah are authentic and documented by the scholars of hadith. Its inclusion in the collections of major hadith books confirms the credibility of its transmission of the Prophet’s teachings.
Abdullah bin Rawahah’s contributions to preserving and publishing the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad made him a respected figure in the field of hadith, contributing to the rich heritage of Islamic sciences.